Michigan roads deal unlikely in time for Nov. ballot

Michigan Road Projectsmlive.com

August 14, 2013 | AP The state Senate's top Democrat, Gretchen Whitmer, told reporters Wednesday it's "very, very unlikely" that lawmakers will act in time to put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.

Talks on ways to boost transportation spending hit a standstill months ago, and legislators have mainly been focused on whether to expand Medicaid health insurance to more low-income adults.

Yet the governor and legislative leaders are continuing to talk about road funding. Raising the 6 percent sales tax requires two-thirds of lawmakers to vote yes and then a vote of the people.